You know Nordstrom’s right? That super high-end department store dolling up the creme-de-la-creme and douche-de-la-douche of American society… well, their super success actually has a handbook. That’s right, whenever a new employee (if deemed servant-like enough to take that crap and snubbing that is surely taking place) is hired, they are give an employee handbook. While it is your typical blah blah blah now, it used to be a single 5-by-8-inch (130 × 200 mm) gray card containing 75 words:
Welcome to Nordstrom
We’re glad to have you with our Company. Our number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. Set both your personal and professional goals high. We have great confidence in your ability to achieve them.
Nordstrom Rules: Rule #1: Use best judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules.
Please feel free to ask your department manager, store manager, or division general manager any question at any time.
Sadly things have changed and they now have a full-blown manual with legalese and other droll… but something can be said about Nordstrom’s extreme simplicity and direct approach that made them who they are. Why screw with perfection?!?!
